Chichester Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester’s August 2023 crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents placed it 16% below the UK average of 8.1, reflecting a safer profile than the national picture. The area’s crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (30.9% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and shoplifting (9.7%). These patterns align with Chichester’s character as a historic coastal town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas. The prominence of violent crime may partly explain the 2.1 per 1,000 rate for violence and sexual offences, which is 20% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour’s 1.1 per 1,000 rate, also 24% below the UK figure, suggests effective community policing or fewer incidents in public spaces. Shoplifting’s 0.7 per 1,000 rate, 17% above the UK average, could be linked to Chichester’s retail presence, particularly during August’s peak holiday season when tourist spending increases. Seasonal factors likely play a role in August’s crime trends: empty homes during school holidays may raise burglary risks, while tourist activity could drive petty theft. However, the overall decline compared to the UK suggests Chichester’s local initiatives or geographic factors—such as lower population density—may contribute to its comparatively lower crime levels. The balance between property and violent crime (property crimes at 343 vs violent at 271) reflects a mix of urban challenges and community-focused prevention efforts.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends. Other crime increased by 66.7% (9 → 15), a jump that may reflect underreported incidents or changes in policing focus. Shoplifting rose 16.4% (73 → 85), potentially tied to August’s tourist influx, though Chichester’s rate (0.7 per 1,000) remained 17% above the UK average. Conversely, bicycle theft fell 57.7% (26 → 11), a drop that could indicate improved cycle security measures or reduced recreational cycling during the summer. Other theft also declined sharply by 46.8% (109 → 58), due to heightened awareness campaigns. Vehicle crime dropped 26.1% (88 → 65), a trend consistent with Chichester’s relatively low vehicle crime rate (0.5 per 1,000) compared to the UK average. Chichester’s violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 20% below the UK average, suggesting effective community interventions or lower risk factors in this area. The possession of weapons rate (0.1 per 1,000) was 43% above the UK average, a concern that may warrant targeted policing in specific neighbourhoods. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, shaped by both seasonal rhythms and persistent local conditions.

Chichester’s crime rate in August 2023 (6.8 per 1,000) marked a 17.9% decrease from July’s 8.3 per 1,000, indicating a downward trend over the summer. This drop aligns with the area’s overall safety profile relative to the UK. On a daily basis, Chichester recorded approximately 28 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while specific to the local context, provides residents with a tangible sense of the crime profile. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 147 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to Chichester’s population of 128,934, suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents per individual. This rate is lower than the UK average, which would equate to a higher monthly exposure figure if scaled to Chichester’s population. The population context further highlights the significance of Chichester’s crime rate: with 128,934 residents, the area’s crime levels are spread across a larger number of people than many UK towns of similar size. The interplay between population density and crime rates may reflect Chichester’s mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where community cohesion and geographic spread could contribute to its comparatively lower crime levels. These figures offer residents a clearer understanding of their local risk profile, contextualised against both national averages and internal trends.